The Owl Newsletter

ISSUE 30 | FEBRUARY 3, 2001

THE ARRIVAL OF API BONUS CHECKS GIVE YOU A TEACHABLE MOMENT

Measuring learning is tricky work. The API is just one of many such measures. As the API bonus checks start arriving in many of your schools this week, this may be the "teachable moment" you've been waiting for. The Owl offers you relevant resources on these alternative views to the API.

No calculators needed. No footnotes. No ponderous prose. All of the following is suitable for educators and parents alike.

The Opportunity Index. These smart and determined Texans at Just 4 Kids have created a way for their fellow educators to view test results: the opportunity index for similar schools.

The Soft and Fuzzy Notion of Multiple Measures. This critical look at the ill-defined notion of multiple measures is by the respected Lynn Olson of Education Week. If you think that traditional standardized testing can be improved by "multiple measures," this article is for you.

Gain Scores and Added Value: How the Dean of Data William Sanders Does It. A short intro to William Sanders awaits you, plus a medium length list of articles about his pioneering work in measuring academic growth. His conclusion: teachers matter most.

How Other States Measure Progress. Tennessee and Texas both use methods different from our own. The comparisons are revealing.

The Owl wants to hear what you're doing to make the most of these teachable moments. You may share your thoughts with him at stever@schoolwisepress.com.

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